blog.big-woop.com

Velma Lorraine Pitman "Mimi"
July 20, 1920 – December 14, 2007

Shortly after midnight Friday, my grandmother passed away. She was the single most incredible person I've ever been so blessed to know.

Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with cancer. She opted against treatment and chose instead to go out on her own terms. Though this was difficult to take, knowing it was her decision made letting go infinitely easier.

Mimi achieved in death that measure of grace so many of us strive for all our lives, and brought joy and vibrance to the worlds of those around her. In passing, she has filled those in her heart with a warm, enduring love. She will be sorely missed; forever a reminder of everything true and good in this world.

I love you Mimi. I miss you.

Labels: death, life, Mimi

The custom goes like this. We make some food and take it to where we want to eat it. We then sit around watching football while the food is organized on a table and the bird is carved with an electric knife. People filter into the room, sit down around the table, and watch the food as drinks are dispensed.

All that, however, is merely lead-up. A prelude to the real act of giving thanks— the "Thanksgiving," if you will.

In the privileged, the idea of being thankful is not always the first that comes to mind. This is why we need the ceremony and the pomp and the circumstance. Americans pretty much relegate one day a year to gratefulness, and we can feel whatever we want on the other 364.

Of course I'm being hyperbolic. I guess what I mean, though, is that too often I find myself forgetting the cornucopia. Like... you know... the cornucopia of modern American privilege, or... just forget the metaphor, I'll get to the point.

Yesterday, I realized that my favorite part of Thanksgiving is not the meal, or even the people I'm there with enjoying it. It's taking that one moment to pause and reflect on everything out there that's great about life, admiring status quo.

Of course it doesn't hurt to then dig in to the greatest dinner of the year with your family and all your oldest friends.

Labels: life, Thanksgiving

Moments ago, I officially began my twenty-fourth year on this earth. I'm looking for people who want to help me make this one the best ever. Any takers?

Labels: birthday, life

Hey gang. Just a few quick things:

1. I moved to Minneapolis. After finding a pleasant IT job with the College of Design, I betrayed my small(ish) town roots and crossed the river. I live with Charlie, Paige, and Peter—three of my best good friends, and recurring characters from the archives. We take up the top two floors of a duplex in Powderhorn Park. Life there has been relaxing and good. We live blocks from Matt's Bar, and the original Jucy Lucy. This proximity—like the burger itself—is either a blessing, or a molten disaster waiting to happen, depending on how one looks at it.

2. I made a movie. It's called Murphy's Law. It's about Look Down. The premiere is on Friday, and you should come. If you're not around, it's available now on DVD.

3. A lot's happened. It's been 652 days since my last post. That's creeping on two years. Hit me up. We'll drink beers.

Labels: life, murphy